The Greek Biotope-Wetland Centre (EKBY)  was created by the Goulandris Natural History Museum, whose spirit and values it has preserved. It was founded in1991, financed by the European Union and the Greek Ministry of the Environment, with the financial support of WWF-International. It is housed in Thermi, at the Thessaloniki University’s Farm. Its mission is to promote sustainable management of renewable natural resources in Greece and in other areas of Europe and the Mediterranean. This mission is subdivided into specific goals for the accomplishment of which EKBY is active in the following fields:

• Managing natural areas.
• Creating data banks and monitoring
• Performing applied research
• Providing education
• Raising public awareness and providing environmental education
• Providing information and advice
• Performing special tasks.

EKBY is managed by a 5-member Board of Directors, whose Chairman is Mrs. Niki Goulandris.

Its scientific personnel specialize in several fields related to the above fields of action.

In parallel with the implementation of its work programme, EKBY encourages, supports and facilitates positive actions undertaken by various organizations and institutions locally and internationally.